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  Adoptive Parents - Adoptive Parent Class Descriptions  
   

Click on the links below to view the detailed class descriptions:


Adoption 101

Speakers: Cradle Staff and Panel of Adoption Circle Members
This required, all-day workshop is designed to help prepare you to become an adoptive parent. Among the topics you will explore are:

  • Differences and similarities in families built through adoption vs. by birth.
  • The spirit of openness as a lifelong commitment.
  • Understanding and hearing birthparent experiences.
  • The realities of adoption (for example, health risks).

6 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care Training

Available Class Dates

  • Saturday, September 11, 2010, is now FULL
  • Saturday, October 9, 2010
  • Saturday, November 13, 2010
  • Saturday, December 11, 2010

8:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., lunch will be served
The Cradle
2049 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL
View directions to this location

sign up

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Making Connections: Adoptive Parents "Meet" Birthparents

Speaker: Cradle Adoption Counselor

In this session you will:

  • Begin to understand the steps to making a match.
  • Practice match-meeting skills.
  • Become aware of how to show your profile on the Cradle website in order to increase your visibility to prospective birthparents.

2.5 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care Training.

Available Class Dates

  • Tuesday, August 24, 2010
  • Tuesday, September 28, 2010
  • Tuesday, October 26, 2010
  • Tuesday, December 14, 2010

6:00 - 8:30 p.m., feel free to bring a snack
The Cradle
2049 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL
View directions to this location

Counselors will register clients upon approval

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Parenting a Child at Risk

Speaker: Dan Griffith, PhD Clinical Pediatric Psychologist

Dr. Griffith will speak on:

  • The effects of prenatal drug and/or alcohol exposure.
  • The long-term risks the exposure may present.
  • Parenting skills to help you help your baby (and older child) regulate his or her behavior.

Dr. Griffith is a nationally known author, lecturer, and child psychologist. He has provided clinical services for hundreds of high-risk children and their families.

2.5 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care Training.

Available Class Dates

  • Saturday, August 28, 2010
  • Saturday, November 20, 2010

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lutheran General Hospital, Johnson Auditorium
1775 Dempster St.
Park Ridge, IL
View directions to this location

sign up

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Transition to Openness

Speakers: Cradle Counselors and Adopted Person

This course will continue the prospective adoptive parents educational journey by focusing specifically on the spirit and practice of openness.

You will learn:

  • How to build a sustaining, nurturing family by furthering
    your understanding and empathy towards the birthparents.
  • Begin developing a "Dear Birthparent" letter.
  • The specific roles and responsibilities of adoptive parents.

A light meal will be provided.

4 credit hours of DCFS Foster Care Training.

Available Class Dates

  • Saturday, August 7, 2010, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, September 2, 2010, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., is now FULL
  • Thursday, October 7, 2010, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 4, 2010, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 2, 2010, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The Cradle
2049 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL
View directions to this location

sign up

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Expectant Families Support Group (optional for families currently listed in The Cradle's family album)

Speaker: Cradle Staff, Cradle Families and Community Professionals

A bi-monthly meeting for families who are currently awaiting placement through The Cradle's Domestic Adoption program. This group is led by a Cradle Adoption Counselor and is an opportunity to discuss a variety of topics that affect expecting adoptive families, meet other families and receive support during the waiting process.

  • July 21, 2010, 7 - 9pm
    Topic: Attachment

The Cradle
2049 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL
View directions to this location

Click Here to let us know you wil be attending

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